Our Story
Derek and Keeton first met in October 2016. After their very first time hanging out, Keeton knew it was worth taking a gamble and asked Derek out for a coffee date. Anyone who knows Derek knows that he isn't quick to say "yes," so it took a few attempts before Derek finally agreed to give Keeton a chance.
That chance turned into their first official date in January 2017. Instead of a traditional night out, they ordered Thai food and spent the evening getting to know each other in Derek's tiny studio apartment. By the end of that night, they both knew they had found something special and, as they say, the rest is history.
Over the years, their relationship has been filled with unforgettable milestones and adventures. Together, they celebrated earning their master's degrees from DePaul University in Chicago, traveled across the country, and cruised from coast to coast becoming "Loyal to Royal" on Royal Caribbean.
They built a family by adopting three wonderful dogs: Versace, Donatella Marie, and Gianni; fell in love with musical theater; and made an annual tradition of attending Pride Night at the Shedd Aquarium.
These past ten years have shaped them into the couple they are today. Together, they have grown, supported one another through every chapter, and shown the world that they are truly a force to be reckoned with.
Of course, over the past year, there has been one question everyone seemed to ask: "So...when are you two getting married?" While Derek has always been more cautious and Keeton is known for spontaneity, Keeton decided to take one more gamble. On June 17, 2026, while attending Derek's favorite musical, Kinky Boots, Keeton got down on one knee and asked Derek to marry them.
Caught completely by surprise, Derek's first response was simply, "Really?" It wasn't until just before the curtain rose that Keeton finally heard the answer they had been hoping for:
"Yes."
Once the excitement settled, the next big decision was choosing a wedding date. They both considered several meaningful possibilities: the day they first met, their first date, and the day they officially became a couple. But none of those felt quite right. Then Keeton suggested April 10th.
But why April 10th?
April 10th has always held a special place in their hearts as the birthday of their beloved Donatella Marie, who passed away at just three years old after a debilitating congenital disease.
Now, April 10th will carry an even deeper meaning. It will be the day they say “I do,” while also serving as a beautiful way to forever honor and celebrate one of the greatest loves of their lives. On the birthday of their beloved Miss Donatella Marie, they will begin this next chapter together, carrying her memory with them and knowing that her spirit will be with them every step of the way.
We are so excited to celebrate this incredible milestone with the people we love most.
Please join us in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 10, 2027, as we finally say "I do!"
The Proposal
